beggar
word
/ˈbɛɡɝ/
BE-gur
/bˈɛɡɐ/
BE-guh
Definition
A beggar is a person who asks people for money or food, usually on the street, because they are very poor.
Usage & Nuances
'Beggar' is neutral but can sound old-fashioned or impolite in some contexts; 'homeless person' is often preferred in polite speech for those without a home. Common collocation: 'street beggar.' Verb form: 'to beg.' Not used for people asking for help in non-material ways.
Spanish: mendigo - limosneroPortuguese (BR): mendigo - pedintePortuguese (PT): mendigo - pedinteChinese (Simplified): 乞丐Chinese (Traditional): 乞丐Hindi: भिखारीArabic: متسولBengali: ভিক্ষুকRussian: нищийJapanese: 物乞いVietnamese: người ăn xinKorean: 거지Turkish: dilenciUrdu: فقیر - بھکاریIndonesian: pengemis
Example Sentences
A beggar is sitting on the sidewalk.
basic
The beggar asked for some bread.
basic
People gave coins to the beggar.
basic
There are many beggars outside the train station.
natural
Please don’t call him a beggar—he’s just fallen on hard times.
natural
Sometimes tourists mistake street performers for beggars.
natural